WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lee Graczyk, lead organizer of RxRights, issued the following on behalf of U.S. seniors fighting the high cost of pharmaceuticals:
“More than 38 million senior citizens live on fixed incomes in the U.S. During these difficult economic times, some seniors — as well as many other Americans — have to make the unconscionable choice between filling their prescriptions or buying groceries.
“However, there is partial relief, and that is drug importation from safe and legitimate international sources, an alternative that has been around for years. But that alternative is now in serious jeopardy.
“Millions of Americans — and I’m one of them — import prescription drugs. Some do so because they cannot afford the same brand-name medications that are sold in the U.S. Others import drugs because they refuse to pay the exorbitant costs of prescription medications when there is a more economical way that is just as safe.
“Consumers need to be aware of proposed legislation that could take away their access to legitimate sources for importing safe, affordable prescriptions.
“The goal of this bill —the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act (PROTECT IP Act) — is to shut down websites that illegally distribute goods.
“No one would disagree that these sites, which include rogue online pharmacies, are a public menace. However, there is a big problem with this bill. It does not make the distinction between the “good guys” — the licensed, legitimate pharmacies that require a doctor’s prescription — and the “bad guys” who sell everything from diluted or counterfeit medicine to narcotics without a prescription.
“As lead organizer of RxRights, a national consumer coalition, I am urging all Americans to speak up before it’s too late and this bill — which few outside of Washington are paying attention to — becomes law. Now that Congress is out of session and members are back in their home districts, Americans need to go to town hall meetings and call their district offices to voice their concerns.
“To use the PROTECT IP Act to shut down safe and trusted online pharmacies would be outrageous. This bill could deny untold numbers of Americans access to vital medications. Now is the time for us to speak up. We need to take action to protect our right to safe, affordable medications before it’s too late.”
About RxRights
RxRights is a national coalition of individuals and organizations concerned with the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. For more information or to take action, visit www.RxRights.org.
CONTACT:
RxRights
Lee Graczyk, 1-866-703-5442
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America District of Columbia
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Seniors Health Public Policy/Government Healthcare Reform Congressional News/Views Pharmaceutical Public Policy White House/Federal Government Consumer
MEDIA:
| Logo |